Russia’s agriculture watchdog gave green light to 17 Moldovan supplies for exports to Russia of some berries and fruits starting August 7

Former Moldova’s Vice-Premier Igor Dodon

CHISINAU, August 7. /TASS/. Moldova needs to establish strategic partnership with Russia, leader of the country’s Socialist Party and former Moldova’s Vice-Premier Igor Dodon told TASS on Friday, commenting on the decision of Russian consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor to allow five Moldovan enterprises to supply wines to Russia.

"Moldova needs to establish friendly, strategic relations with Russia, which is a major consumer of our goods. Unfortunately, the notion of strategic partnership with regard to Russia was excluded from the program of the new Moldovan government that was endorsed last week. On the other hand, this document mentions "strategic partnership with the United States." And that is despite the fact that Moldova’s trade turnover with this country amounts to just a few million dollars," Dodon said.

"Yesterday, exports to the Russian market were opened for 17 fruit-producing companies in Gagauzia, whose authorities’ established successful cooperation with Russia. This will make it possible to launch new jobs and receive investment for the region’s development, as well as cope with the deep economic crisis that hit our country and the severe drought," said the leader of Moldova’s Socialist Party, which supported Gagauzia’s head Irina Vlakh at the elections.